So back to where it all began, Belfast Northern Ireland.

Remember back in 2015 when one win NU got embarrassingly swept in a home and home with Bentley? Leaving them with no wins and 10 losses in its previous 12 games.

But then came the Friendship Four and the boys managed to win 1 of 2 hockey games.

That trip across the pond started a run that would ultimately lead to two Hockey Championships, two Beanpot trophies, three NCAA tournament appearances, and multiple NHL careers.

Look how far the NU team that couldn't have come since then. Luck of the Irish maybe?

Fast forward to 2019 where NU, UNH, Colgate and Princeton will take the ice.

Well, today NU got off to a great start by beating Hockey East rival UNH 4-0.

Solid performance by goalie Craig Pantano stopping all 25 shots he faced and Sr. defenseman Ryan Shea scored his 1st 2 goals of the season.

NU will face Colgate Saturday for the championship at 2 pm.

The win, which counted in the league standings, put NU in 1st place in Hockey East. One point ahead of Providence.

Highlights ...

https://youtu.be/Lf7e_Gxy3Ys

Postgame ...

https://youtu.be/T3-csv8nwS0

NU beat Colgate Saturday 4-3 to win the Belpot in Northern Ireland.

NU scores 3 goals in the first 2 minutes of the game and hung on for the championship win.

NU returns to the US to face BU next Saturday night.

Highlights ...

https://youtu.be/JcXjzeuroBw

Madigan after the game ...

https://twitter.com/gonumhockey/status/1...73728?s=21

Congrats to the champs! I think we'll have a lot of ups and downs with this group this season, particularly with scoring goals.

But the bottom line is we continue to be a solid team year after year. Amazing what Madigan has done for this program.